An Update on the Pharmacological Management of Hyperthyroidism Due to Graves' Disease

Pharmacological treatment, usually by thionamides (carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil) is, in addition to radioiodine therapy and thyroidectomy, one of the available therapies for Graves' hyperthyroidism. Thionamides represent the treatment of choice in pregnant women, during lactation, in children and adolescents and in preparation for radioiodine therapy or thyroidectomy. Side effects are relatively frequent but are in general mild and transient. Two main regimens are available: titration method (use of the lowest dose maintaining euthyroidism; duration: 12-18 months) and block-and-replace method. Neither one has clear advantages in terms of outcome but the latter method is associated with more frequent side effects. Hyperthyroidism relapses in approximately 50% of patients, to whom ablative therapy should be offered.